There are so many reasons to head to Mexico and enjoy fun in the sun. A getaway, honeymoon, bachelorette, or destination wedding are all fabulous ways to enjoy this Central American country. And, there is one all-inclusive resort that can accommodate any of the reasons above. With a posh vibe and an amazing rooftop pool, The Reef 28 should be first on your list of places to consider for adult-only fun.
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Why honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort like The Reef 28?
Whether you are planning your honeymoon or a getaway with your besties, heading to an all-inclusive resort can help enhance your experience. It’s relaxing to kick back and enjoy music, amazing food, and free-flowing cocktails in a gorgeous environment.
Plus, if you visit during one of Mexico’s festivals, such as Day of the Dead, there’s even more to do! Also, if you’re planning a Yucatan road trip, the Reef 28 is a great addition to exploring the area.
The Reef 28 offers all of those things in a location that is designed for adults. I loved my time there, and I can’t wait to share some of my favorite aspects of this beautiful destination.
Perks to Honeymooning at This All-Inclusive Resort
The Rooftop
Normally the best should be saved for last, but this rooftop needs to take center stage. Lounge chairs and private cabanas focus on the beautifully tiled pool that overlooks the ocean and its surroundings. Hot tubs, seating areas, and a rooftop bar add to the ambiance of fun in the sun.
If lounging isn’t quite your thing, you can swim in the pool, listen to the DJ spin tunes, or take part in an intense game of giant Jenga. No matter what, you are destined to have fun once you wake up and decide to head to the top level of The Reef 28. Take a peek at how gorgeous it is!
The Lobby
Now that you have seen the highlight, we can start in the lobby with first impressions. Filled with fun pops of color, fragrant flowers, and a collection of swinging chairs (hello, photo op!), the lobby is inviting and evokes a sense of excitement.
This area also includes the front desk, the concierge, and a bar, so waiting for friends or just hanging out for a bit is perfectly feasible. So lovely!
The Room
Of course, once you arrive at an all-inclusive resort, heading to the room is a must to freshen up and unpack. A spacious suite may be just the ticket if you are hosting a bachelorette weekend, as the suites can sleep several. Additionally, there is plenty of room for everyone to have their own space.
There are even two full bathrooms – talk about a dream room! The natural, earthy color palette gives off a modern vibe while also being completely relaxing. Plus, there are two balconies for enjoying drinks at night or coffee in the morning.
What a great home base to have while you are staying at The Reef 28!
The Living Area
The Sleeping Area
The Restaurants
Dining at The Reef 28 is something even a true foodie can enjoy! The fact that it is an all-inclusive resort doesn’t mean that they are shy about offering amazing selections. Various restaurants focus on different cuisines.
Enjoy Thai food at Asitico, Mexican at Cachito, or a buffet at Venti8cho, which also offers an a la carte menu. Each space has its own decorative flair, which adds to the ambiance. From breakfast to after-dinner drinks, the food is delicious, and the service is impeccable.
Don’t want to dine out? Service in your room is also a good choice!
Venti8cho at The Reef 28
Asiatico Restaurant at The Reef 28
Cachito On-Site Restaurant
The Spa
Of course, whether you are at The Reef 28 with your sweetie or your bridesmaids, a trip to Okom Spa is both relaxing and rejuvenating. A massage – either individually or as a couple – can realign your entire body. Plus, experiencing the hydro spa does wonders for tired muscles. They even have a sauna for relaxing your worries away!
The Avenue
Curious about the surrounding area? Well, just a block away from the all-inclusive resort is 5th Avenue, a walking street filled with beautiful boutiques, delectable restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.
Local artists also showcase their paintings and wares, which make ideal souvenirs for those who enjoy taking home something creative. There truly is so much for the casual tourist to enjoy while at The Reef 28!
Weddings at The Reef 28, an All-Inclusive Resort
Want to get married in an intimate, beautiful setting? The Reef 28 also offers a chic and sophisticated space to hold your ceremony and reception. Say “I do” overlooking the ocean, have cocktails at Arriba, and mingle with your guests in the luxurious lounge area. The Reef 28 can craft a unique and memorable event for you and your guests as you spend a few days enjoying their property and the local area.
Speaking of the local area, whether you are looking for experiences for your guests or yourself on a honeymoon, there are several things to do in Playa del Carmen. Explore Mayan ruins, snorkel, swim with dolphins, or just relax your time away.
My Personal Take on the All-Inclusive Resort, The Reef 28
My husband and I had the opportunity to visit The Reef 28 (and one of their sister properties, which I will be writing about soon!) for a few days. To be completely transparent, the ideal vacation for me is heading to Europe, with quaint towns, a ton of history, and adorable boutique shops and restaurants.
If that’s your style, you may want to check out these day trips from Mexico City. So, the idea of heading to an all-inclusive resort was appealing mostly because I knew my audience would love it. But I did, too!
But here are my own personal reasons why I fell in love with The Reef 28.
- It is a boutique chain. I love supporting local and small. I personally enjoy supporting boutique brands, and The Reef Resorts fits the bill nicely. They have 3 all-inclusive resorts, which have impeccable service, amazing food, and on-site activities to enjoy.
- The area is filled with arts and local flair. 5th Avenue satiated my desire to browse boutique shops and discover local art. I’m not a huge nightlife person, so the ability to stroll a safe, well-lit walking street late into the evening was fun.
- The food was fabulous! I enjoyed having several dining options, and every bite was delicious. Instead of feeling as though we were at an all-inclusive resort, it felt like we were dining at local restaurants due to the quality of food and the service of the staff, which I truly appreciated.
- Drinks. And more drinks. I am SUCH a lightweight, but it was fun to test out different drinks – the more frozen and fruitier, the better. It was nice to lounge on the rooftop with a drink in hand. Just don’t overdo it!
- Spa? Yes, please! It was wonderful to have an on-site spa. We had a couples massage and hydrotherapy session, which were both so relaxing. This is not part of the all-inclusive fee, but it was such a treat that soothed our souls.
- I loved the decor. Every space – restaurants, lobby, room, rooftop – was so well designed and unique that it created this vibe of being in an amazing place. Which we were!
- You can visit their other resorts. The Reef 28 isn’t beachfront, although it is one block off of the beach (which was a bit busy for my taste!). The Reef Resorts offers a shuttle service that goes between their resorts so that you can head to one of their more private beach areas. Such a plus!
As a final thought, bigger isn’t always better with all-inclusive resorts.
Some may fear that a smaller resort may not have the amenities, food options, or services that a chain resort may have, but I found just the opposite. The attention to detail in the food, decor, and hospitality was flawless.
AmandaThis resort sounds so amazing. We were just at a family friendly all inclusive and it was great but I secretly wished we were at the adults only section so we could actually relax!
AsiaThis sounds absolutely amazing and i LOVE that macrame wedding gazebo thing!! AHHH !! so good!
Catherine @ To & Fro FamWow, that does look so luxurious! The soaking pool with the living wall, in particular, would make me swoon. I have 2 kids so probably won’t be going to an adults-only resort anytime soon, but this looks legit gorgeous.
KatieI definitely need a Mexican vacation after reading that! This resort looks amazing!
Becca WilsonThis resort looks so lovely. I would love to be able to go here one day with my husband as a special getaway for just the two of us.
Linda (LD Holland)I must admit is has been some time since we last visited Mexico. But we would love an adults only spot like The Reef 28 when we finally go back. The smaller size of the resort would call to us. We would certainly spend a lot of time on that rooftop patio. Your room had a ton of space and I sure would love having 2 bathrooms! And what is a honeymoon escape without a great spa?
ClareThis resort looks amazing and the views from the rooftop are amazing, I think I would want to spend all my time up there. It’s great that it is so central and located so close to the beach and the shops, but it wouldn’t be good if it disturbs your sleep. I love the options of restaurants, Thai and Mexican, I would be in heaven. I also like that there is a spa so that you can totally before your big day. I would like to see though if there had other options for wedding locations as despite the amazing views I am not sure I would want to get married in between 2 pools!!!
UmikoThe rooftop is definitely fantastic! I think honeymooners will spend most of their time there. The room looks cozy and spacious, and the spa looks so inviting! And I like that the shopping area is within walking distance.
JanThe rooftop on the Reef 28 looks like the perfect place to chill during a honeymoon. Drinks at the bar, dip in the hot tub, enjoy the music and feast your eyes on the views of the sea. I am a fan of swinging chairs – they are the best in the lobby or otherwise. The hanging plants and the unique architecture makes the restaurant so cheerful. I will look up Reef 28 when I visit Mexico.
NataschaWhile I am usually not the type who spends time in all-inclusive resorts I could see myself make an exception for the Reef 28 in Mexico. The patio on top, the restaurant, the spa and everything look so well-designed that it is pure joy to immerse yourself in such a surrounding. A perfect place for a honeymoon too!
ArvinWhat a beautiful all inclusive resort. Don’t think will be getting married anytime soon, though if I am in Cancun its time to take a drive and check out The Reef 28 at Playa del Carmen and Explore the Mayan ruins, snorkel, swim with dolphins, or just relax my time away. The pool at the Reef looks amazing!
Adele GeeThe Reef 28 is truly my kind of place. It looks to have a modern flair which I love with tasteful decor all around. Sign me up for All-Inclusive any time! and that rooftop pool would be my hangout spot. Very good to know that the food is good there too. A perfect home away from home in my opinion
ClariceThis place is amazing. I agree with you that the rooftop is the highlight. The view is amazing and it’s just the perfect place to relax. Happy to know that there are a lot of food choices available.
Would love to explore the neighboring areas too.
NicoleThis looks like the perfect place to escape the crowds and children at family resorts. I love the peace and quiet and that rooftop bar looks amazing.
I also love the choice of food that there is more than just Mexican for when you are having a longer visit you may want the odd meal that’s a different style like the Thai.